Header image with Photo of Supervisor Pat Bates. Followed by office information
October 22, 2010

Pat Bates's Picture


Welcome to this edition of the Fifth District Report, an electronic newsletter keeping you updated about the events taking place in Orange County and in the Fifth District. It is my hope that you find this distribution informative and I would encourage you to contact me regarding any thoughts, comments, or concerns you may have.

PatBates@ocgov.com


IN THIS ISSUE...

1. BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

2. REGISTRAR REGISTER

3. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

4. SOUTH COUNTY NEWS

5. SAFETY SENTRY

6. HEALTH HERALD

7. SENIOR SENTINEL

8. CRITTER CHRONICLES

9. NOTES FROM THE FIELDbr>

10. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

11. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

12. FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP


OUR STAFF...

Don Hughes:
Chief of Staff

Kristen Thornton:
Deputy Chief of Staff

Ray Grangoff:
Deputy Chief of Staff

Sergio Prince:
Policy Advisor

Sabrina Ross:
Policy Advisor

Brian Probolsky:
Policy Advisor

Ruth Strachan:
Office Manager

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Volume 4 Issue 42
FIFTH DISTRICT TRAVEL REPORT

American Shore and Beach Preservation Association

Last week, I was in Charleston, South Carolina, attending the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association’s (ASBPA) National Conference, an organization where I also serve on the Board of Directors.

At the three-day Conference, there were presentations on a myriad of topics, ranging from shore protection and restoration to regional sediment management and coastal policy. There was also a special session devoted to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, its impact and cleanup. In addition, I attended many sessions related to Sea Level Rise, and learned it may not be accelerating as rapidly as some predictions say, but that we must still plan ways to mitigate for climate change and protect our beaches for future generations.

Many coastal communities across the U.S. are struggling with budget cutbacks and how to fund their beach replenishment projects. Nourished shorelines provide a number of benefits, including increased area for recreation, increased revenue from tourism, habitat improvement, and greater protection from coastal storms. To that end, areas such as San Diego, through the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), are not waiting for assistance with federal funding, but rather are developing creative ways to fund their projects.

In Orange County, we are lucky to benefit from the forethought and planning to have an ongoing beach nourishment project that has had long term success. This erosion control project was authorized by Congress in 1962, based in part by a beach erosion study conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers in cooperation with the Orange County Board of Supervisors, which was submitted to Congress in 1940.

I’m pleased to report the County’s beach nourishment project received an award at the ASBPA National Conference. I presented the award to Supervisor Moorlach, as this important coastal project covers the beach areas in his district. For more information on the ASBPA, please click here.

BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

OC Lifeguards

Through OC Parks, the County of Orange manages various public beaches along our coastline, from Sunset Beach in the north to Poche Beach in the south. As such, we are the only public agency in the State to use a private lifeguard contractor, which saves as much as 50% over the cost of providing the same service with County employees.

To that end, the Board voted to maintain service levels and extend lifeguard and beach patrol services at our County beaches. I am also pleased to report you will begin to see the “OC Lifeguards” brand displayed on uniforms, vehicles and towers, as we expect this County-owned brand to grow in popularity and perhaps even offer exciting future merchandising opportunities.

For more information, please click here.

Salt Creek Beach Parking Lot Upgrades

The Board awarded a contract for construction of the Slurry Seal and Asphalt Repair Project at the Salt Creek Beach Selva parking lot. The project includes installation of additional handicap parking stalls and ADA compliant access ramps, which will provide greater accessibility for visitors to the County’s Strand Beach public access way, the City of Dana Point’s Veterans Memorial, and Strand Vista Park.

The project will also repair the uplifted asphalt, which will enhance the appearance of the parking lot and provide greater visitor safety. The necessary improvements will also extend the structural integrity and useful lifespan of the parking lot. These upgrades are consistent with OC Parks’ core values of community service and providing high quality, well maintained facilities for the benefit of the public.

REGISTRAR REGISTER

Vote-By-Mail Options

The deadline to submit a vote-by-mail application is October 26. Voting-by-mail allows you to submit your ballot by mail for the upcoming November General Election. However, you must first request a mail ballot be sent to you. Also, please note there are various vote-by-mail options for your convenience.

For more information, please click here.

LIVE Webcast

The Orange County Registrar of Voters (ROV) will be hosting a live webcast for candidates and other interested parties regarding Election Day and Election Night operations. The purpose of the webcast is to provide information and answers to frequently asked questions on the County’s election process.

The webcast is expected to last 30 minutes and will be available for replay following the broadcast. You will also have an opportunity to submit questions electronically during the live webcast, which will be held Wednesday, October 27 at 4:30 PM.

Interested parties can RSVP by clicking here.
For more information, please click here.

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Fifth District Leadership Forum

Please join me Tuesday, October 26 for the Orange County Transportation Authority’s (OCTA) annual Fifth District Leadership Forum.

Come learn about future transportation planning efforts in South County and how, despite our tough economic times, OCTA is moving forward with many improvements to make transportation in Orange County safer, faster and more efficient. To that end, OCTA staff and Board members will be on hand to answer questions from the public, as we seek your input to better serve Orange County.

The Fifth District Leadership Forum will be held at 7:30 AM in the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway. To RSVP, please call (714) 560-5677. For more information, please click here.

Open New FasTrak Account, Get $30 in FREE Tolls!

The Toll Roads has announced that through November 7, the agency is offering a $30 toll credit to customers who open a new FasTrak® account.

FasTrak lets customers drive every toll road and bridge in California without stopping to pay a toll, as tolls are automatically deducted from their pre-paid accounts. FasTrak drivers also save money at every pay point on The Toll Roads, topping $100 or more a year for the average user!

For more information, please click here.

SOUTH COUNTY NEWS

Rancho Santa Margarita: Safest City in the State

The FBI recently released statistics for 2009, showing the City of Rancho Santa Margarita as the safest city in the State for cities with a population greater than 20,000 residents. This is the ninth consecutive year Rancho Santa Margarita has been identified as one of the safest communities in Orange County and the State.

For more information, please click here.

SAFETY SENTRY

Third Annual South County Disaster Preparedness Expo

As we’ve learned all to well, wildfires, earthquakes and floods are ever present threats in Southern California. As such, I’m hosting the 3rd annual South County Disaster Preparedness Expo on Saturday, October 23 at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, in Mission Viejo.

The South County Disaster Preparedness Expo is again being held in conjunction with the City of Mission Viejo’s “Walk Against Drugs” and will take place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon. For more information, please click here.

We can’t predict when a disaster will strike, but we can certainly prepare for one. To that end, I urge you and your family to join me at the 3rd annual South County Disaster Preparedness Expo and make your Promise to Prepare!

Be Prepared When the Lights Go Out!

As some of you may have experienced during this week’s powerful lightning and thunder storms, power outages can create serious problems. As such, being prepared for when the lights go out is essential to maintaining a safe and calm environment. For a few tips to prepare for the event of a power outage, please click here.

Children’s Safety Comes First on Halloween!

Halloween can be a fun and spooky time of year, but it can also lead to tragedy. On average, twice as many kids are killed while walking on Halloween compared to other days of the year, according to Safe Kids USA.

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) wants to make Trick‐or‐Treating safe and enjoyable for all families. With Halloween falling on Sunday, October 31 this year, many kids will be out walking while it is dark, making it harder for drivers to see them.

Recommended safety precautions include carrying a flash light and walking door‐to‐door with your children. To further avoid the risk of misfortune, make sure you also stay in a neighborhood where you know the homeowners. For more Halloween safety tips, please click here and here.

HEALTH HERALD

Ocean and Bay Rain Advisory

The Environmental Health Division of the Orange County Health Care Agency advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can increase significantly in ocean and bay waters, near storm drains and the outlets of creeks and rivers, during and after rainstorms.

The elevated bacterial levels in coastal ocean waters may continue for at least 3 days, depending on the intensity of the rain and volume of runoff. Swimmers should avoid Orange County coastal waters during this time, and beach users should avoid contact with runoff on the beach.

For more information, please click here.

Influenza Vaccination Program

As announced in my newsletter last week, now is the time to start vaccinating against influenza! To that end, the Health Care Agency is collaborating with various organizations throughout Orange County and the Fifth District to provide flu vaccinations.

For more information, please click here and here.

ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

San Juan Creek Feasibility Study: Public Scoping Meeting

OC Public Works, in partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers, will hold a public scoping meeting to discuss development of an Environmental Impact Statement/Report for the San Juan Creek Feasibility and Tributaries Flood Risk Management Study.

Eight South County communities, including San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch, and Las Flores are all within the boundaries of this study.

Specific objectives of the study include reducing the risk of flood damage in the lower portions of the San Juan, Trabuco, and Oso Creeks, addressing stream bank erosion and channel instability in portions of these creeks, and maintaining habitat values within the study area.

The meeting will be held Wednesday, October 27 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano. For more information, please click here.

CRITTER CHRONICLES

OC Animal Care: Choose a Chihuahua!

On Saturday, October 23, OC Animal Care invites you to Choose a Chihuahua! Come fall in love with OC Animal Care’s tiniest residents and see why so many people adore this miniature breed! This fun-filled event will take place from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Don’t miss the parade of adoptable Chihuahuas and the Bake Sale! FREE Spay/Neuter and FREE Flea Treatment will be offered for all adopted Chihuahuas – a $60 value! For directions to OC Animal Care, please click here. For more information, please click here.

Mission Viejo: 2-for-1 Kitten Adoption Special

With an influx of kittens, the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is offering a "2-for-1" adoption special in an effort to find these adorable kittens loving homes. People who adopt two kittens will only have to pay for one $100 adoption fee.

The Center currently has pairs of kittens that are so bonded, they would be sad to see them separated! For more information, please click here.

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

Halloween is a favorite for many children and adults, but it can also be frightening and even dangerous for animals. With a little caution and common sense, Halloween can be a fun time for kids and pets alike. For tips to help keep our furry friends safe and sound this Halloween season, please click here and here.

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Heritage Hill Historical Park: Pioneer Roundup

Pioneer family members of the Saddleback Valley attend this meeting of the Saddleback Area Historical Society to greet longtime friends and reminisce about old times. Come to Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest on Sunday, October 24 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and meet these folks, hear their stories and learn about the early days of the area!

For more information, please click here and here.

FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

Dana Hills High School: Be The Change!

Amidst severe budget cuts, the Dana Hills High School "Be The Change" Club has embarked on a mission to receive a $250,000 grant through the Pepsi Refresh Project to improve the school’s computer labs, and they need your vote to win!

The contest ends Sunday, October 31. Supporters can vote once a day by text and once a day by computer. For details on how you can support their efforts, please click here and here.

SSOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

Lake Forest: Friday Night Fright and Autumn Harvest Festival

Prepare to be scared Friday, October 22 at the annual haunt event at Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. 12 years and older recommended.

Tour the Haunted School House and Fright Maze! Watch the movie "Twilight" at the event! There will be prizes and surprises galore, as some ghoulish friends are DYING to see you! For more information, please click here and here.

Come back to Heritage Hill Historical Park on Saturday, October 23 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM and join us for another night of fall fun at the Autumn Harvest Festival.

Visit Nectar's Pumpkin Patch and attend an awesome glow party! Kids can come in costume and Trick-or-Treat throughout the event! There will be fun games and prizes, too! For more information, please click here and here.

Doheny State Beach: Haunted Campground

Don't miss Doheny State Beach’s most festive event of the year, as a section of the campground will be transformed into a spooky area, featuring an array of educational booths, arts and crafts, a Fun Zone, and other fun activities.

This event takes place Saturday, October 23 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Admission is FREE; however, a donation of one non-perishable food item per person is greatly appreciated. Dress those little ones and join us!

For more information, please click here.

Dia de los Muertos: A Celebration of Life and Family

The San Juan Capistrano Library cordially invites you to its annual "Celebration of Life and Family" on Sunday, October 24 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM. Performers include Mariachi San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano Ballet Folklorico, and Aztec dance group Huehueteotl.

Activities include children's crafts, face painting and artwork throughout the library. Don't miss film maker and artist George Newman's incredible Casa de las Calaveras - House of Skeletons! This fun cultural event is FREE to the public!

For more information, please click here and here.

Halloween Magic Show

Trick-or-Treaters ages 4 and over are invited to a "Halloween Magic Show" on Monday, October 25 at 7:00 PM in the Saddleback Room at Mission Viejo City Hall. The FREE show features a magician who will perform magic tricks that are sure to amaze!

Children are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costume to this frightfully fun event, which also includes yummy treats for the kids. For more information, please click here.

Laguna Niguel: Haunted Trails!

The City of Laguna Niguel presents its 10th annual Haunted Trails, featuring urban horrors such as the graveyards of New Orleans, creatures of San Francisco's China Town, the alleys of New York City and the subway maze leading into Central Park.

Tickets can be purchased at the event, Thursday through Saturday, October 28 – 30, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, at Crown Valley Community Park. Not recommended for children under 8. For more information, please click here.

San Juan Capistrano: Spook-tacular Event

San Juan Capistrano’s Youth Advisory Board is teaming up with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley to host a "Spook-tacular" event on Friday, October 29 to benefit needy families during the holidays.

The fun-filled event is from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at that the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, located next door at 1 Via Positiva.

The event will feature games, prizes, face painting and crafts for children ages 2 to 11. The Boys & Girls Clubs will also sponsor a haunted house for a $1 donation and the Youth Advisory Board will sell hot dogs & chips for $2. For more information, please click here.

Aliso Viejo: Halloween Fair and Haunted House

A new Halloween Fair joins the traditional Haunted House at Aliso Viejo’s Soka University this year, as well as student club performances, games, food booths and activities for everyone to enjoy!

The Halloween Fair will run from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, October 29 & 30, with performances from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. The Haunted House will be open from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

For more information, please click here and here.

Laguna Hills: A Ghostly Affair

The City of Laguna Hills invites you to a morning of hair-raising fun! The Ghostly Affair includes ghoulish snacks, exciting games, Halloween crafts, tons of prizes, and plenty of opportunities for great pictures - so don't forget your camera!

Dress up in your favorite costume and join the fun Saturday, October 30, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Laguna Hills Community Center. For ages 6 and younger. For more information, please click here.

Mission Viejo: Hometown Halloween

The public is invited to attend Mission Viejo’s Hometown Halloween, a fun-filled community celebration for all ages. The colorful event, which includes game booths, crafts, and pony and hay rides, is from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, October 30 at the Norman Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way.

Trick-or-Treating kicks off at 6:00 PM, as kids decked out in their favorite Halloween costume will enjoy walking the red carpet during the costume parade, hosted by Big Bird and Elmo!

Masks not allowed on anyone over age 12. For more information, please click here.

FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:

  • Met with San Clemente City officials and County staff to discuss the proposed renovation of the San Clemente Branch Library.
  • Delivered the keynote address at a meeting the Laguna Beach Rotary Club.
  • Adjourned the Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of Glenetta Betty Farell of Laguna Beach.
My office also:
  • Attended the South Orange County Regional Chambers of Commerce Legislative Alliance meeting.
  • Presented a certificate of recognition at a Laguna Hills ribbon cutting ceremony for the new office of the South Orange County Regional Chambers of Commerce. For more information, please click here.
  • Presented a proclamation in honor of the 90th anniversary of The Laguna Playhouse. For more information, please click here.
  • Provided certificates of recognition for recipients of the 2010 Heroes with Heart Award from the Trauma Intervention Programs of Orange County. For more information, please click here.
  • Provided a certificate of recognition in honor of the San Juan Capistrano ribbon cutting ceremony for Acupuncture Halls.
My staff and I look forward to continually providing you updated information in our Fifth District Newsletter and website.

Please feel free to contact my office with your concerns, comments or questions at (714) 834-3550. It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your Supervisor for Orange County's Fabulous Fifth District.

For an ADA version of our newsletter, click here.

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